UU's Guide to the 2015 Grammys

It’s finally here. The 57th edition of “Music’s Biggest Night” takes place at the famed Nokia Theater tonight at 8:00pm. Stars will be made, hearts will be broken, and LL Cool J will definitely lick his lips more than he needs to. The number of nominees and performances always seems to get larger, but UU has got you covered. Here’s what you actually need to know about the Grammys.

Performances

Since 90 percent of the night is dedicated to the actual music being played at the Nokia, you should probably know who will be doing the performing. This year is no different from past shows with some of the biggest stars taking the stage. Highlights will include Kanye performing a BRAND NEW SONG off his new album and his performance of “FourFiveSeconds” with Rihanna and another artist you might have heard of... Paul McCartney. Other notable performances include Beyonce singing a stripped down version of the gospel hymn, “Take My Hand Precious Lord,” which should showcase her amazing vocal range. You should also look out for an interesting collaboration between Ed Sheeran, Herbie Hancock, John Mayer and Questlove. On Grammy night, you’ll also get to hear: AC/DC, Ariana Grande, Eric Church, Beck, Chris Martin, Sia, Usher, Pharrell, Common, John Legend, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige, and Madonna.

Award Predictions

Whether or not you think the nominees reflect the best the music biz has to offer, most of the award categories are stacked with heavyweights in the industry. Some of these artists have been UU performers in the past. Here are the categories:

Album of the Year

Morning Phase, Beck

Beyoncé, Beyoncé

X, Ed Sheeran

In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith

Girl, Pharrell Williams

After taking the world by storm with his hit single, “Happy,” Pharrell, released a great album that could make him a dark horse in this category. While you can never count out Queen Bey either, the award could very well go to Sam Smith.This is because of something I like to call the “Adele factor—” the Grammys seem to appreciate talented British vocalists who make piano-based pop.

Record of the Year

“Fancy,” Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX

“Chandelier,” Sia

“Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” Sam Smith

“Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift

“All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor

With the exception of T Swift, the performers in this category are relative newcomers to the music scene, which will make for an intriguing turnout. Don’t forget, Record of the Year goes to the recording artist and producer of a “sonically sound” record, which all of these nominees are. Once again, Sam Smith is a strong bet here, but I feel like the new, fresh sound of “Fancy” combined with its immense popularity may make it a winner.

Song of The Year

“All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor

“Chandelier,” Sia

“Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift

“Stay With Me,” Sam Smith

“Take Me to Church,” Hozier

What differentiates this category from Record of the Year is that this one is all about the songwriting. An interesting candidate for this is Hozier, with his unexpected smash “Take Me to Church.” Following in the tradition of artists like Gotye and Simon & Garfunkel, Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” seems like the ideal emotional rock song to win the award.I put my money on him.

Best Rap Album

The New Classic, Iggy Azalea

Because the Internet, Childish Gambino

Nobody's Smiling, Common

The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem

Oxymoron, ScHoolboy Q

Blacc Hollywood, Wiz Khalifa

This is another category that boasts a few past UU performers. Both Schoolboy Q and Childish Gambino have graced the Juice Jam stage in years past. The logical choice for this award winner is Iggy Azalea as she has made a huge cultural impact this year, but I am going to go out on a limb and say Eminem will take it home because of name recognition. which the Grammys seem to be big on.

Best Alternative Album

This Is All Yours, alt-J

Reflektor, Arcade Fire

Melophobia, Cage the Elephant

St. Vincent, St. Vincent

Lazaretto, Jack White

A category full of indie and alternative heavyweights makes for another very tough choice. The albums of both St. Vincent and Alt-J were met with much acclaim. Cage the Elephant also released what may be their best record to date with Melophobia. However, for me, it comes down to Arcade Fire and Jack White. Arcade Fire has Grammy history on their side as they won the Grammy for best album in 2011 with their opus, The Suburbs. Jack White has also had his share of success with the White Stripes. My heart says Reflektor,but my head say Lazaretto takes home the hardware.